About Assessment Process

About the Assessment Process

MDA Leadership’s assessment process serves a dual purpose—for you individually and for your organization (or the organization you are considering joining). Our goal is to provide an objective picture to both you and your organization of your work style and skills. Our observations are set against the backdrop of your current position or position for which you are being considered, and because we know and understand our client organizations well, we are able to provide relevant feedback. Our evaluations also provide you with an opportunity to consider your own professional development needs.

Important Notes

  • Please refer to the email you received to obtain login and password information. You will see a number of inventories listed; complete only those listed in your email.
  • Background Information Form: Complete this form if the email you received listed it as part of your pre-work assignment. The form is web-based and will submit your responses to MDA upon completion, and send you a receipt.
  • Depending on the type of assessment you are participating in, you may have been asked only to complete items online, or you may be completing inventories online as well as visiting MDA’s offices for additional assessment. Below is more detailed information you should read if you are traveling to MDA. If you are traveling from out of town, you will also find information regarding directions, transportation, and accommodations on our website.
  • When you are ready to proceed, click the Continue to Online Inventories button below.

Preparing for the Assessment

A typical question raised by individuals scheduled for our assessment process is, “What can I do to prepare?” The answer is nothing, aside from any online items you were asked to complete. The best approach is to get a good night’s sleep and be prepared to work as hard as you would on a typical workday.

If You Are Visiting MDA for an Assessment

We suggest you dress comfortably in business casual clothing. You will have a break for lunch, and there are many restaurants within a short walk of the office. When you arrive at MDA, you will be greeted by one of our Psychometrists, who will be your host for the day. During your time with us, you will meet with a consultant for a work/career history interview. You will also take some problem-solving tests and participate in several business simulation exercises. The problem-solving tests involve reading and responding to various questions, either on a computer using a keyboard and mouse, or using paper-based materials and a pencil. Simulations may include taking on a role in a fictitious organization, meeting with other staff, and/or analyzing company information. Aside from your lunch break, there will not be time to make phone calls or conduct other work.

Please note that some of the tests used in the assessment process are available in languages other than English. While we cannot accommodate all requests, we are happy to do so whenever possible. If you would prefer to use an alternative language, please contact (612) 259-4252 or assessmentcenter@mdaleadership.com for more information.

Feedback

At a later date, you will have the opportunity for a feedback session with a consultant to discuss the results of your assessment. We will explain the process for scheduling this feedback session on the day of your assessment.

Cancellations

The organization that is sponsoring your assessment will be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel less than 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. If, for any reason, you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact the organization and MDA as soon as possible. Please direct phone messages or emails to MDA at (612) 259-4252 or assessmentcenter@mdaleadership.com.

C-suite Selection and Succession: Delivering Leadership Excellence for the Future

MDA Leadership helps CEOs articulate executive leadership needs, identify top talent, and accelerate C-suite transitions.

Senior Executive Blueprinting ™
Succession planning begins at the top. CEOs, in partnership with human resources and their boards, must think carefully about the talent they need for the future in key leadership roles. Similar to CEO Blueprinting™, MDA Leadership helps our clients articulate the executive leadership they will need to successfully navigate emerging business challenges and drive evolving strategies.
C-suite Selection and Succession
Not all C-suite hires and promotions achieve success. We help CEOs select the right executives by bringing an informed, experienced, and objective voice to the table. Based on a CEO’s criteria and an organization’s norms, we assess and analyze executive candidates to provide definitive and well-grounded promotion and hiring recommendations.
C-Suite Transitions
About 60% of executives say they were not prepared for the strategic challenges they faced in their new senior leadership roles.3 MDA Leadership accelerates effective transition into the C-suite. Through a unique discovery process, we help executives gain deep insight into what it will take to be successful given stakeholder expectations, team dynamics, and the nuances of C-suite leadership. Our seasoned coaches guide leaders in designing and executing highly relevant and engaging onboarding plans.

Board Services: Enhancing Board Effectiveness

MDA Leadership helps boards strengthen their governance roles and internal dynamics.

Board Evaluations
Most boards are required to evaluate their own performance on an annual basis—an exercise that can range from “checking the box” to an experience that truly engages board members in the right conversations. Our services include full board evaluations, individual director reviews, peer feedback, chair role transitions, and action planning.
Board and CEO Consultation
Creating strong board and CEO collaboration requires mutual trust and respect. Forging and maintaining productive relationships cannot be left to chance. MDA Leadership provides trusted advisor consultation for CEOs and their boards to foster alignment in critical areas such as decision-making, role clarity, governance, and communication.
CEO Coaching and Trusted Advisor Consultation
Two-thirds of CEOs don’t receive any outside advice on their leadership skills, and yet almost all would be receptive to suggestions from a coach.4 Since a one-size-fits-all playbook for CEOs doesn’t exist, MDA Leadership provides CEO coaching. Whether business performance is hitting the mark or not, even seasoned CEOs benefit from the safe place and counsel we provide to help them evolve their leadership.

Let’s begin a conversation.

At MDA Leadership, we know there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for every organization. We take the time to get to know your business and your leadership needs and recommend a range of options that are the best fit for your growth goals. Let's see how MDA Leadership can optimize your Talent Strategy for the Long Run®.